Engineering Manager III - Space Communications Engineering Manager- $15K Sign On Bonus
Minimum $15,000 Sign On Bonus being offered for external hires.
Join the Space Vehicle Engineering team at BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems - a dynamic group of motivated problem solvers. We like to have fun and enjoy life - both at work, and in our free time. We're excited about the challenging projects we're involved in and have a strong commitment to the missions we enable. Offering growth opportunities at all levels of skill and experience, we're looking for leaders and innovators who can continue our strong reputation for creativity and technical excellence, while helping to define the future of BAE Systems.
We are seeking an action-oriented leader with intellectual curiosity who is excited to put their potential to use to lead the Space Communications Engineering team. This is a challenging, fast-paced role which will be exciting and highly gratifying for the successful candidate.
This position reports to the Director of Space Vehicle Engineering.
The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the technical talent and organizational leadership that enables the successful delivery of high-impact discriminating technologies for our customers' missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning and strong execution.
What You'll Do:
- This position is approximately 45% functional management, 55% technical/project management working directly on programs, IRADs, etc.
- Lead and manage the team of Space Communications Engineers.
- Provide functional management for the Space Communications team, including employee recognition, performance appraisals, hiring, and staffing.
- Provide career growth and development opportunities for employees.
- Mentor less experienced engineers on the team and help foster mentor/mentee relationships amongst the team.
- Collaborate with the other subsystem leads within the Space Vehicle Engineering department and with other engineering disciplines.
- Grow the Space Communications Engineering capabilities and capacity to achieve the goals of the business.
- Provide direction to the team in the advancement of the development process and the tools used by the team for critical analyses.
- Craft the strategy on how to meet future mission opportunities including technology roadmap development.
- Become the primary point of contact for new programs and proposals under early development, estimating rough order of magnitude cost and schedules for the Space Communications subsystem.
- Work daily with the larger Space Communications team on subcontractor procurements.
- Establish and maintain strong vendor relationships.
- Prepare and manage hardware definition and interfaces.
- Extensive technical writing: proposal development, contractual elements, procedural definitions, specifications, interfaces, analysis support and description documents.
- Prepare and give presentations to peers, management, and customers.
- Take ownership and responsibility for the success of our RF and Optical Communication subsystems.
- Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
- Perform other duties as necessary.
On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site five days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.
Working Conditions:
- Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors or remote research environment.
- May occasionally work in production work centers where use of protective equipment and gear is required.
- May access other facilities in various weather conditions.
Short-Term Incentive: Subject to business performance and recommendations of management, this role may be eligible to participate in an incentive compensation plan.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
- BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required plus 12 or more years related experience.
- Each higher-level degree, i.e., Master's Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
- A current, active TS/SCI security clearance is required with ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI Polygraph.
- Experience with program execution across a variety of customer sets.
- Experience in subcontract management.
- Excellent communication and listening skills.
- Ability to be self-motivated and detail oriented.
- Possess strong critical thinking skills.
- Ability to influence without authority.
- Comfortable interacting with colleagues at all levels of the organization.
- Comfortable operating at a fast pace.
- Budgeting/cost estimating experience.
- Excellent customer service, accountability, professionalism, and interpersonal skill set.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
- 10 or more years of direct experience in spacecraft communications design and/or test is preferred.
- An advanced degree is preferred.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $153377 - $260743
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.
Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
Skills Required
- BS degree or higher in Engineering or related technical field plus 12+ years related experience
- Advanced degree (Master's/Ph.D.) may substitute for two years of experience
- Current, active TS/SCI security clearance required with ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI Polygraph
- Experience with program execution across a variety of customer sets
- Experience in subcontract management
- Budgeting and cost estimating experience
- Technical writing and proposal development experience
- Experience preparing and managing hardware definitions and interfaces
- Excellent communication and listening skills
- Self-motivated and detail oriented
- Strong critical thinking skills
- Ability to influence without authority and interact at all organizational levels
- Ability to maintain a regular, predictable on-site work schedule (on-site five days per week)
- 10+ years direct experience in spacecraft communications design and/or test
- Advanced degree in relevant field
BAE Systems, Inc. Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision coverage is presented as comprehensive, paired with an EAP, fertility and transgender care options, and HSA‑compatible plans that can include employer contributions with coverage starting on day one in some cases. These resources are reinforced by wellness tools and immediate eligibility noted on official benefits materials.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) savings plan is broadly available, with employer matching and other contributions that vary by business unit, and some U.S. employee groups retain pension arrangements. Company‑paid basic life insurance equal to 2x base salary (up to $1M) further strengthens financial security.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave (e.g., 160 hours for full‑time employees) sits alongside adoption and surrogacy reimbursement and Bright Horizons backup child and elder care. These benefits help reduce care gaps and complement PTO and applicable state programs.
BAE Systems, Inc. Insights
What We Do
Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do. As a leading aerospace, defense, and security company, we work together to deliver a full range of products and services for air, land, space, and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. How we work is rooted in purpose – a purpose to protect those who protect us, to unite our community of colleagues and customers, and to drive forward the growth and development of our exceptional team members. It's where purpose connects.
Why Work With Us
We believe your career should be filled with innovation and discovery. And that's exactly what you'll find at BAE Systems. As you work to develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills and expand knowledge. On a sharp and collaborative team, you will be challenged – and supported – at every turn.
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Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
As the work place continues to evolve, so do we. Remote and hybrid opportunities are available at BAE Systems depending on the nature of the role. Check your job requisition to learn more.








